American racer Chase Owen will compete in the 2017 BRDC British Formula 3 Championship after signing for Hillspeed with Cliff Dempsey Racing.

Owen, who hails from Houston, Texas, finished the 2016 season as runner-up in the UK's Formula Ford 1600 National Championship and claimed the Northern Championship with Cliff Dempsey Racing, having made the switch to European racing for this year from his native United States. The 24-year-old finished sixth in the hugely competitive Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch and won the Star of Anglesey accolade along with being crowned the Champion of Oulton Park, in what was an extremely successful season for the American.

Owen only recently started racing after taking part in the 2014 Skip Barber IndyCar Academy Shootout, which he won. As part of his prize, he was awarded a full season in the Skip Barber Summer Series for 2015, claiming 11 race victories and a total of 19 podium finishes. He narrowly missed out on the title but comfortably finished as the top rookie, which led to him winning Racer Magazine's “Top Gun Award” and also become a candidate for the prestigious Team USA Scholarship.

Owen said: “I am beyond excited to compete next year in British F3.I am certain it is a huge step up but it will prove an invaluable training ground and stepping stone into the higher-level formulae. Signing for the team was a no-brainer for me as I raced Formula Ford under Cliff in 2016 and he has taught me much of what I know in my short career, and has become like family to me.

“In the few test days I've run in the F3 car, I couldn't be more happy with the entire team and how the car feels. It’s by far the most powerful car, combined with the most aero, I have ever driven. I am so excited to get 2017 pre-season testing underway and have full confidence we will be competing with the best.”

Richard Ollerenshaw, Team Principal of Hillspeed with Cliff Dempsey Racing, added: “We are absolutely delighted to have finalised a deal with Chase to be part of our British F3 team and it’s fantastic to have two driver deals completed this side of Christmas.

“From what I’ve seen of his performances with Cliff’s Formula Ford team this year, and from the glowing praise I’ve heard as well, Chase is a talented, committed and quick driver. Next year will be a big step up in competitiveness, but we’re very much looking forward to him teaming with Jordan [Cane] in 2017 and progressing strongly as the season goes on.”